What Should Houston Rockets Do About Frontcourt Dilemma?

At the 2013 NBA trade deadline, the Houston Rockets acquired rookie power forward Thomas Robinson from the Sacramento Kings. Unfortunately, they also left a major void in their frontcourt by trading both Patrick Patterson and Marcus Morris.

Now, the question is what the Rockets should do about their current frontcourt dilemma.

As it presently stands, Houston is deep at power forward. The issue, however, is that four of the Rockets' five power forwards share one trait.

They're rookies.

Robinson was selected with the fifth overall draft choice by the Sacramento Kings in 2012. Royce White went 16th to Houston, and Terrence Jones was taken 18th overall.

Donatas Motiejunas was drafted in 2011, but he did not make his NBA debut until the 2012-13 season.

As for Greg Smith, he's a second-year player out of Fresno State. He played just eight games as a rookie and has experienced his most significant playing time during the current season.

So, which inexperienced big man should Houston go with?

Current Course of Action

Since trading Patrick Patterson and Marcus Morris, Donatas Motiejunas has taken over the role of starting power forward. There is certainly reason to be intrigued by the 7'0" Lithuanian's versatile skill set.

With that being said, Thomas Robinson saw 28 minutes on Mar. 6. Oddly, he's seen a combined 17 minutes in the two games since.

Clearly, the coaching staff is uncertain as to what the proper course of action is.

In other words, the Rockets have no defined course of action. Instead, they're embracing the strategy of trial and error.

For perspective on how that's working, the Rockets have lost two of their past three games.

As Houston attempts to define its power forward position, the key will be to understand which player best fits its style of play. As a team that thrives in transition, that creates a defined list for what is necessary.

Unfortunately, the options are hardly limited.

Open Court Versatility

If there is one thing we know about the Houston Rockets, it's that they live and die by their ability to get out in transition. For evidence, note that the Rockets lead the NBA in possessions per 48 minutes at 98.8.

Second is Denver at 97.7—a full 1.1 possessions less.

What this suggests is that the Rockets need a power forward who can run the floor in transition. Perhaps more importantly, they need a 4 that can space the floor with his ability to shoot and take an opponent off of the dribble.

As fate would have it, every single power forward on Houston's roster fits that bill.

This leads to a difficult situation for the Rockets, as they must either alter their style of play or make a decision that could alienate other players. That decision can be found by answering one question.

Which player has the highest ceiling?

Final Verdict

When it comes right down to it, the Houston Rockets must determine which player best fits their long-term plans. How they will come to that decision is unclear, but one thing is absolutely certain.

There is no room for five power forwards on a roster in which the center position has already been solidified.

Conventional wisdom would suggest that the Rockets are best off with Thomas Robinson. He was selected fifth overall in 2012 and is the most physically suitable player for the Rockets' style of play.

In turn, Robinson could be defined as the best power forward for this up-tempo squad.

With that being said, Donatas Motiejunas is a 7'0" athlete who has displayed the ability to run in transition. Due to his combination of size, athleticism and ability, Motiejunas possesses legitimate star potential.

After displaying patience through months of controversy, it appears as if Houston also believes in Royce White's future.

With this in mind, the Rockets' best option at this stage is to provide opportunities for each player to prove his worth. Name and reputation must be labeled as irrelevant as the coaching staff and organization decide upon the best fit.

As well as Houston may have drafted, it has discovered something we often fail to acknowledge: Depth may be a luxury, but it's also a taxing burden.